A Few Tips for Wheelchair Users

Get A Grip!
Have you ever wondered why the door sometimes only pops
open after a strong tug? More than likely, the door hadn't
been opened in a while, which created a suction effect.
When pulled firmly, the suction is released and the door
pops open. If you've ever tried to open your refrigerator
door after it hasn't been opened in a while, you already
know the effort requires more strength than usual -- and
you may not have the strength needed to pop the door open.

Some wheelchair users who struggle with opening the fridge
door may benefit from making a loop of rope or cloth and
tying it around the handle. Pulling at the door from a
distance gives the loop leverage, and allows for easier
opening -- even if the door has been closed for a while.

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Magic Wand Keyboard
The Magic Wand Keyboard from In Touch Systems
(800-332-6244, link below) is a miniature keyboard that
assists people with limited hand movement to type with
minimal effort. The touch of an included wand controls the
keyboard; or you can use a mouthstick. The keyboard
measures 7 x 6 x 0.5 inches. It's both PC and Macintosh
compatible, and controls full keyboard and mouse functions.
The prices range from $1375 to $1875.

Keyless Keyboard
For those of you out there with limited or no finger use, I
recently ran across a keyless keyboard. Two big slide knobs
slide to the north, south, east, and west. They also slide
in the direction of NW, NE, SE, and SW. By sliding the
knobs into specified positions, you indicate the letters
you want to type. Although using the keyless keyboard seems
fairly complicated, I'm sure that eventually it becomes
second nature. Available from KeyBowl (link below), the
unique keyboard price is $399.00

Answer The Phone With Your Voice
How would you like to answer your phone just by saying,
"Hello"? One of my former coworkers had a voice-responsive
phone like this 10 years ago. I wasn't injured then, but I
remember thinking how convenient a voice-activated phone
would be. Now I think of the many times over the almost
nine years I've been in a chair and couldn't reach my
phone.

I found a voice-activated phone from Dynamic Living (888-940-0605, link below) that remembers up to 20 numbers with
the use of three different types of switches or remote
controls. A voice-activated dialer is optional. The price
of the phone alone is $399.99. Include the dialer and it is
$649.98.

Rolling Reader's Table
This handy and attractive table will be my next investment.
Made of solid wood with a honey oak finish, this table on
wheels has two table surfaces. One surface angles up to 45
degrees with two ledges to hold your reading materials. The
other surface is stationary to hold drinks, eyewear, and
small miscellaneous items. The table can be pushed under
either side of a bed or a chair. The cost is $89, which is
a good deal, since most hospital trays run between $200 and
$300. The best part is that it looks great, not like an
institutional gizmo.

Extend-A-Mirror
Sometimes my bathroom counter gets very cluttered, since I
store lots of items on it. Everything from medication to
bills take up residency there, leaving me little room for a
vanity mirror. If this is a problem for you, try mounting a
retractable mirror on the wall. I found one online (link
below) with a two-sided mirror, one side a regular mirror,
the other side magnified. It extends out a very handy 30
inches and sells for $24.99

Tip From A Loyal Reader
This tip comes from a loyal reader, Donna, who writes: "I
have a brother with cerebral palsy, who's recovering from
having four discs in his neck fused. He has a catheter now,
which has to be flushed often. When he's wearing long
pants, this procedure presents a problem.

"Right now, my brother wears sweat pants a lot. What I did
was mark the center of the back of sweats' leg, and
stitched the elastic on both sides of the mark. Next, I
drew a line about 12 inches long and cut open the leg of
the sweats. After zigzagging the edges on both sides, I
sewed a piece of Velcro on each edge of the cut leg -- the
rough side on the top and soft side on the bottom. That
way, if the opening isn't closed exactly right, he won't
have the rough side against his skin. His catheter tube can
come out from anywhere in this opening and the Velcro can
close around it. His bag can be hung from the bottom of his
chair, and the tube is not pulling on the bottom of his
pant leg."

Great tip, Donna! Thanks for sharing.

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Virtual Pool
Playing billiards can be awkward from a wheelchair,
although I have a few friends who think nothing of it.
Recently, a good friend of mine introduced me to virtual
pool online. We usually play on Yahoo! [Yahoo Pool]
but you can also try the VirtualPool.com site
as well as Community Zero and Virtual Sports League (links
below).

I haven't been able to play regulation billiards since
becoming a quadriplegic in 1993. It feels great to once
again be able to run the table and leave my opponent in the
dust -- that's pool lingo for winning.

Costly Rx
If you take several medications, you know how expensive
prescription drugs are these days. You might try routinely
calling the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the
drugs you take. Ask if they ever help individuals on fixed
incomes by providing samples or reduced-cost refills. Some
companies will offer a one time free refill. Other
companies may help on a regular basis. It can't hurt to
ask.

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Proof Of Disability
Oftentimes I find myself sending a letter to my doctor for
him to sign in order to prove I'm disabled. Then, perhaps a
week or two later, I need another letter signed for the
same reason: Periodically, an insurance company or
Medicaid/Medicare needs an update on my medical status. So
that I don't keep bugging my doctor, I send four copies of
the same letter for him/her to sign, but forward-date them
so that every three months, I have a current copy. More
than likely, if your letter is dated within the last three
months, the organization that's requesting the letter will
accept it.

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Smooth Out The Wrinkles
If your sensory perception is impaired, you probably won't
feel any wrinkles in your clothing. However, it's very
important to minimize clothing wrinkles over bony
prominences, since the bunched fabric can cause added
pressure on your skin; this pressure could result in a
pressure sore, also known as a decubitus ulcer. Make it
part of your daily routine to smooth out as many wrinkles
as you can from your clothing and your bed sheets.

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Booking A Hotel
When booking a hotel, avoid calling the chain's 800 number,
which usually routes you to a central location. Since every
hotel provides some type of accessible accommodations,
you'll want to find out what's available at the hotel
you'll be visiting. I suggest you call the hotel directly
and ask to speak to a manager, who should be able to tell
you exactly what modifications to expect. These days,
thanks to increased mobility of those in chairs, some
hotels even provide shower chairs.

Let the manager know exactly what you require for your
stay. If it's a handheld shower you need and they don't
have one, ask if they can purchase one. They're very
inexpensive and other guests of the hotel can utilize it in
the future. Tell the manager that you will "advertise" to
your friends how accommodating this particular hotel is for
rollers.

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On Bended Knees
Have you ever had a stay in a hospital and when you elevate
the head of the bed, the legs raise too? This is because
when the legs are elevated, you can't scoot down in bed.
This position is supposedly more comfortable than no
elevation under the knees. For those of you with altered
sensory perception, however, keep in mind that this
position places more pressure on your rear end and
tailbone. To keep from developing a pressure sore, I
suggest flattening the bed all the way out for two full
minutes every half-hour.

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Spackle It Out
After residing in the same condominium for eight years, I
can guarantee I've clipped many corners, walls, and
baseboards with my chair. I'll admit those marks give my
place character, but after so many dings and scrapes, the
place begins to look rather junky. Every three years or so
I hire someone to fill in my wall wounds with spackling.
Once the material dries, I have a fresh coat or two of
paint applied over it. The result looks great and makes me
feel as though my residence is brand new!

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The Super Trapeze
This nifty trapeze consists of a long pole that's held in
place by bolts in the floor and the ceiling. Sitting firmly
next to a bed, the pole has a horizontal extension pole
protruding out a couple of feet. Hanging from the extension
pole is a cable with two triangular shaped grab handles, to
allow the user to sit up with ease. The base pole itself
can also assist in your transfer out of your bed.

I've often thought that drilling a hole in the tube and
hanging a hook would be a great idea. Then a bag or basket
filled with munchies would always be by your side! This
product sells for $229, but it doesn't look like it's hard
to make -- PVC pipe may be your best bet.

Being Frisked
Now that security is tight at airports, I'm hoping that the
security officers who frisk wheelchair users at metal
detectors do a more thorough job. The days of old consisted
of holding my arms straight out to the side. The officer
barely touched me, so as to cause the least amount of
discomfort for both of us. After being directed to lean
forward and having a quick pat on the back, I was on my way
to the gate. After the September 11th hijackings, if an
officer gives me a quick once over, I am going to point out
every nook and cranny s/he missed.

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Warmer In The Winter
Winter is quickly approaching and for those with impaired
circulation, it's time to bundle up. It takes longer for
someone with decreased circulation to warm up on a cold
winter's night than it does for someone who's able to move
about more freely.

Also, your cold bedclothes can give you the shivers when
the wind is roaring outside. Fortunately, there is a simple
solution to warm your bed. Before you prepare to retire for
the evening, just toss your blanket or sheets into the
dryer for a few minutes. They'll come out feeling warm and
cozy, just like they do when you first wake up in the
morning.

You might wonder why you just can't crawl under an electric
blanket to get warm. Because you can't tell when an
electric blanket gets too hot, those of you with impaired
sensation are strongly discouraged from using one. Serious
injuries and even death can occur when sensory-impaired
people fall asleep under a heating blanket that may get too
hot for sensitive skin.

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Full Body Pillow
Several years ago, I bought a full-length body pillow for
the times when I lay on my side and need support between my
feet and knees. Since it's so long, it also supports my
arm, alleviating any strain on my collarbone and shoulders.
The body pillow also works as a great support from behind.
I find it's very comfortable to lean into. I used to joke
with my friends and tell them if it gave off heat, it would
be the perfect partner since it never talks back!

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Tenderize Your Tubes
I know this may sound weird, but I use meat tenderizer to
clean the tubing I use daily, such as catheters and
G-tubes. The tenderizer ingredients break down the proteins
and clean out the residue from these types of tubes. Soak
the tubes for several minutes in a mixture of one teaspoon
of meat tenderizer and eight ounces of the warmest water
you can stand. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water.
Repeat every two to three days.

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Plan For Darkness
The September 11 attack on the World Trade Center has
forced me to prepare for the worst scenario, even as I sit
in my own home. Besides that, there's always the
unfortunate possibility of a house fire and I know I must
rely on telling someone where my wheelchair is in the event
that I'm in bed. If you charge your chair in the same place
every night as I do, you'll always be able to tell a
rescurer exactly where to go to retrieve your chair should
an emergency arise.

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Pill Patrol
One of my medications I must take four times a day to
control my muscle spasms. Whenever I plan on leaving my
home, even for a couple of hours, I make sure to take a
pill or two with me. Life doesn't always happen the way we
plan. I'd rather have my pills with me rather than
experience the side effects I have when my body is in need
of settling down.

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Please Remember Me
I can't tell you how many times I have to remind people,
mainly my attendants, to place the things I use most back
where I can reach them if they move them. So many items I
use have to be positioned exactly and in a certain place,
or else they're useless to me. For example, my comb is made
with a strap that I tighten around my hand using Velcro so
that I can hold it to fix my hair. I can't count the number
of times I've been alone, struggling to reach my comb,
which is pushed back to the deepest part of the counter --
with the Velcro already fastened.

When training new attendants, teach them right away to
leave your tools alone, and to resist the urge to move
things around. If they must move your things, ask them to
place them back exactly as they found them.

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Doorways To Independence
Before my first visit to a new doctor, I called ahead and
asked if I'd be able to independently open the double glass
doors leading to the building's elevator. I also inquired
whether there was an automatic door opener (there wasn't).
We agreed that I would call them from my cell phone once I
arrived in the parking lot and they would send someone down
to help me get in the door. I suggest always calling ahead
for the lay of the land before you venture out to uncharted
territories.

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Basket By The Bed
If you suffer from arthritis or have a loss of hand
function, grabbing television remote controls and other
small items may be as difficult for you as it is for me.
Use a small wicker basket with a handle and set the items
you may want inside it; then place the basket on a bedside
table. You might also place a small hook on your headboard
to hang the basket from.

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Beware Of Floor Coverings
Last week, I went to a candle party at a friend's house. As
I was leaving, I rolled through her living room, which had
several throw rugs on the floor. Believe it or not, my
chair got tangled up in two of them. My chair has a bolt
that protrudes from the bottom and locks me in place when I
drive. That bolt was dragging across the rugs and getting
caught in them. One rug became entwined in the bolt and my
friend and her husband had to tilt my chair on its side in
order to set me free. I was a wee bit embarrassed to say
the least. If you have similar hardware fixed on your chair
so you can drive, don't hesitate to ask someone to pick up
the rug so you don't get stuck, too.

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Be Prepared When Calling 911
I've written in the past about emergency cell phones that
are only able to dial 911. Since cell phone are designed to
be portable, it's impossible for the authorities to
pinpoint WHERE you are from your phone number, even though
they may know WHO you are. When using a cell phone for an
emergency, be prepared to stay on the line and give the
operator at least a location, street address, and/or town.
Since most 911 centers are county-operated, it's important
to be very specific regarding location.

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Velcro Your Remotes In Place
Making sure you have your television remote controls in
your possession before you hop in bed will save you the
struggle of getting back in your chair to retrieve them.
And by always keeping them in the same place, you'll save
yourself the grief of going on a wild goose chase to find
them. (Have you ever tried to chase wild geese in a chair?)
If you have an entertainment center with doors, attach your
remotes to the inside of the doors using Velcro. This way,
you know exactly where they are and they stay concealed
when you're not in the mood for TV.

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Makeshift Beach/Pool Chair
Most wheelchair users I know keep the same chair for years;
as a result, their chairs endure lots of wear and tear.
Since new chairs cost thousands of dollars, most wheelers
keep their chairs until they're on their last leg, er,
spoke.

Once you order and receive your a new chair, I suggest you
keep your old chair and store it. I saved my first chair
ordered for me during my rehabilitation days and it's now
my designated chair for days at the pool. I don't mind if
it gets wet or even if it rusts. I have yet to go back to
the beach, which is where I sustained my broken neck that
resulted in my paralysis, but when I do, that's the chair
I'll use.

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Disability Product Postcards
For several years, I have received a disability product
postcard collection in the mail, free of charge. The cards
present individual products for the disabled population,
ranging from mobility products to bathroom aids. I'm not
sure how often the cards are published, but it seems like I
receive them two or three times a year. This is an easy,
no-effort way to keep up with what's new in the disability
product line! To sign up to receive them, go to their Web
site (link below) and fill out their brief registration
form, or call (215) 675-9376.

Organize With Style
I keep several items on my bathroom counter so that I have
quick access to them all the time. Consequently, I had to
find a way to organize all those little containers in order
to simplify directing my attendants to specific things. I
keep all of my medication in one basket, and my makeup in
another. When I want to get a hold of something, I slide
the entire basket towards me.

To avoid a cluttered look and to make my collection look
organized, I first resorted to cute wicker baskets. I've
since graduated to pretty mirrored trays. I feel great when
my things look neat and uncluttered -- yet remain within
easy reach.

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Care And Pet Feeding
If you have trouble leaning over and picking up Fluffy's
food and water bowls from the floor, make an extension
handle and mount it in the middle of a connected set of
bowls. The handle lets you easily grab and refill her
bowls, especially if she's dancing hungrily around your
chair. If you don't know anyone who can make one for you,
you can purchase a handle online. One model has a 22-inch
long extension and a non-skid surface on the bottom of the
bowls. The price is $14.95. Fluffy will love you even more
for being able to feed her faster!

Soda Can Opener
As a soft drink lover, opening a soda can was one of my
biggest obstacles when I became a quadriplegic. However,
after becoming paralyzed, I learned to do many things in
order to survive -- including mastering the technique of
opening a soda can. I just slid my fork under the tab and
had enough leverage to pry it forward just enough that it
popped through, allowing me to insert a straw; that way, I
didn't have to press the tab back down to the horizontal
position.

Recently, I came across a product that performs the same
opening task as my fork -- only better. This one will even
open twist off caps, something my fork can't do. Best of
all, it's only $1.95, which is probably less than I paid
for my fork.

Slip On Shoes With Ease
Bending down to slip on a shoe is a task made much easier
with an elongated shoehorn. Couple that with a hook at the
end for easy grasping, and you've got a tool that I'd give
to every male wheelchair user I know who wears dress shoes.
And if you add a large hole at one end so you can easily
hang the shoehorn in your closet, I'd even get one for my
fave basketball player, Shaquille O'Neal. At only $3.50, I
just might be able to afford several. Thank goodness I can
count on only two hands the number of males I know who wear
dress shoes and use wheelchairs!

The Scrubber
Scrubbing tile and walls from a seated position is tough,
not to mention the strain on a wheeler's back. Give your
back a break by scrubbing with a long handled scrub brush
that conveniently swivels 180 degrees around at the scrub
head. This motion allows you to apply constant pressure
throughout each stroke, and to reach the entire surface so
it's cleaned thoroughly. The Scrubber is $12.95 and refills
are $6.95.

Accessible Door Knobs
Make your door handles more accessible to people with
minimal hand function with Leveron door handles. These fit
over any standard existing handles in minutes. One size
fits all -- and they even glow in the dark. Made of
Polymer, the handles clean easily and you'll never have to
worry about rust. I've used them on the knobs in my condo
for eight years and have never had to do one thing to them,
not even tighten them! A set of two is $22.95.

Reflective Dog Collars
Walking your dog at dusk or dawn can be dangerous for any
dog owner who isn't visible to drivers. For the owner who
uses a chair and walks her dog, it's especially dangerous,
since viewing someone in a sitting position is more
difficult than seeing someone who is standing. Guard
yourself by wearing protective clothing, but remember to
protect your animal, too. You can do so with a reflective
dog collar and leash available from PetsMart. Collars are
only about $15 and leashes about $20. This is a small price
to pay for the unconditional love your pet gives you.

Misty Mate
As my boyfriend, puppy, and I were browsing through
PetsMart last week, I came across the Misty Mate. Similar
to a sports bottle, it's equipped with three feet of tubing
with a nozzle designed to spray a fine mist. It's ideal for
keeping you and your pets cool on humid days. As a
quadriplegic who can no longer sweat to cool down, I can
tell you that I'll be misting myself while I'm out in the
hot Florida sun -- even in the "winter." The bottle holds
up to 24 ounces, and lasts approximately four hours when
used intermittently.

Warm Up, Cool Down
In the past, I've reported to you about products that cool
you off when you're outside in the sun. Recently, I found a
product that will cool you or warm you depending on your
preference. Made of a band worn around the neck, the
Personal Warm+Cool System Wearable Peltier Effect Climate
Control (#SI531LG2) discreetly allows the wearer to be
comfortable and mobile. I personally have not tried this
product, but at $69.96, it's definitely on my list to
Santa.

Smooth Sailing Ahead
Holland America Cruise Line has installed the industry's
first system to provide a safe, comfortable transfer
between ship, tender, and pier for passengers who roll. In
addition, the cruise line also has available TDD equipment,
amplified telephones, visual alert alarms, bed vibrating
alarms, closed caption decoders on televisions, and
flashing-light door buzzers. Their four newest ships were
built with a closed loop listening system. To contact
Holland America Lines, call (800) 637-5029. Or visit their
Web site, link below.

Hydrogen Peroxide
In the not so distant past, I've tossed into the trash
numerous garments that I assumed were ruined because they
were soiled with blood. Fortunately, I ran across a
solution that belied that assumption: hydrogen peroxide. As
soon as you detect blood on your clothing, bedding, or
towels, soak the spot with peroxide. Rub the area
vigorously, and repeat. Wash the item with warm, soapy
water to thoroughly clean any residual marks. You'll be
pleased with the results, and so will your wallet.

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Bowling Ball Blues
If you like to bowl, but don't know how you'd manage to
handle a heavy ball with dexterity-challenged fingers,
you'll be happy to hear about a bowling ball that doesn't
require you to slip your fingers into the holes in order to
pick it up. Instead, this special ball comes equipped with
a handle, which when released, retracts completely into the
ball, flush with the surface. These balls are available in
weights of 6, 8, 10, or 12 pounds. The price is $159 plus
shipping and handling. Spare yourself from being bored, and
get out there and strike out! (Puns sold separately!) To
order, call: (800) 634-4351.

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The Fisher Space Pen
Do you have trouble holding a pen at the usual angle
necessary for writing? If so, I've got a great tip for you.
Fisher Space Pens are pressurized with nitrogen and don't
rely on gravity to make them work. Unlike most pens, which
must be held with the tip facing downward in order for them
to write, the Fisher pen can be held in any position -- and
it's guaranteed to write.

NASA selected the Fisher Space Pen for use on all of the
Apollo missions, and they're still used on all manned space
flights, whether American or Russian. The estimated shelf
life of these pens, whose retail price is $18, is 100
years.

Paper Or Plastic?
Whenever I go to the grocery store and they ask me whether
I'd like paper or plastic, I always opt for the plastic.
I've found many different uses for these lightweight bags:
one of my favorites is to place items in them that are
difficult for me to get out of the refrigerator -- fruit
and soft drinks, for example. The bags have handles, which
makes it easy to slip a finger through and pull the bag
toward me. I used to have a hard time taking a loose can of
soda from the fridge. Not anymore!

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Tip From A Loyal Reader: Wet Suit
My loyal reader, Jeanne Marie, wrote to tell me how she has
made her bathing suit more functional. She writes:

"I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome from the
waist down, bilaterally, and that is why I am in a
wheelchair. When it's time for my aquatic therapy, I find
it's a real pain to get my wet bathing suit off -- most of
you know what I mean. What I've done to solve the problem
is to place hooks and eyes just above the 'private parts'
area of my suit. When I'm finished with my water therapy, I
simply unhook the hooks and pull the suit over my head. I
am sure that lots of wheelchair users find swimming a
challenge because of the difficulty of putting on and
taking off a bathing suit, but this trick works really
well!"

Thanks, Jeanne Marie, for sharing this great idea with our
readers!

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Don't Be All Wet
I have a drive-through shower that has no threshold. It's
all tiled with an undetectable gradual slope to allow the
water to run to the drain. Even with this feature, however,
every time I shower, the water trickles out onto the
bathroom floor. Fortunately, I found a product that will
alleviate this problem: a barrier free water dam threshold
that acts just like a dam. Just place the product over the
threshold of your shower. Roll over it, and a lip
atomically elevates to keep the water contained. Different
sizes are available for different shower shapes.

Billiard Roller
This pool accessory, the chair rider, is for the hemiplegic
pool player -- or anyone with limited use of one arm or
suffering from a bad back. The roller acts as your other
hand, cradling the tip of the stick. The pool stick is free
to glide back and forth, thanks to the wheels on either
side of the stick. You can break the rack with ease, and
without straining your back. At just $20 (including s/h),
it's tiny, and convenient to carry anywhere.

Side Kick
If the armrests on your wheelchair don't have pockets or
places to stores small items, such as cell phones and pens,
you might want to get a pouch to hold them. Some new chairs
come with pouches, but if yours didn't, try calling your
local Durable Medical Equipment (DME) dealer. If you'd
prefer to order online, click the link below. Also, if you
or someone you know does sewing or crafts, a homemade pouch
would be a snap to make.

Magnetic Games
Utilize your lap and put a game board on it. If you like
backgammon or chess, you can find inexpensive travel games
-- and even some with magnetic boards! Magnetic boards keep
your game pieces from drifting if you need to move around
in your chair -- very important if you've been sitting for
a while and need to shift your position.

Very nice boards are available, and I do mean nice! You can
get one that closes up to resemble a briefcase, and is made
of genuine leather. You'll pay $600 for this beauty,
though. I also found magnetic versions in the $50 range for
backgammon, and $40 for chess -- much more affordable for
those on a budget.

Golf Glove
If you're a duffer who has suffered a stroke or has partial
hemiplegia, check out this golf glove designed especially
for you. The Velcro fastening feature makes it easy to
fasten and release the glove. With the assistance of your
other functional hand, you're ready to make a controlled
swing and hopefully end up with a better golf score. The
glove is $49.50 (including $5.50 s/h).

Carry Your Own Pen
If you prefer to write with a specific kind of pen, it's
wise to carry one with you at all times. My recent visit to
the emergency room reminded me of that. After the triage
nurse checked me out, I was directed to the person who
handled the registration part of the process. At the end, I
was asked to sign my name in two places. The only pen she
could offer me had a ball point. I write with my pen in my
mouth, and a rolling writer is the only one I can write
legibly with, since it glides like a marker. You can bet
there's a rolling writer in my purse now. I wound up having
my boyfriend sign my initials, as I held the top of the
pen.

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Pump It Down
I've written several tips on the many ways you can use
gaffer tape. I've just thought of another handy trick to
tell you about. One evening, I was chatting online with my
friend Jenny, a fellow wheeler. She asked if I ever have
muscle spasms strong enough to kick my shoes across the
room. I said no, and she explained to me that when she
wears pumps, her spasms are so strong that she can't keep
them on. I told her to place a piece of gaffer tape between
her pump and her foot. This little trick keeps my dress
shoes from slipping off, since it's heavy-duty adhesive
tape. Try it! Nobody will know it's there. And you won't
ever have to chase your shoes across the room.

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Inspect For Cracks
Several weeks ago, my attendant informed me that I had
peculiar looking marks on my left leg, where my thigh meets
my buttock. The marks were described as resembling red,
elevated stretch marks. I couldn't imagine what was causing
them.

About a week later, my attendant noticed several cracks on
my shower chair's leather seat cushion. When she pushed
down on the cushion, the slits spread apart. I then
realized what was causing the marks on my leg. As I sat, my
skin was getting pinched when the cracks spread apart. I
had my attendant put two layers of strong tape over the
cracks, and it's as good as new. My scratches are all
healed too! The moral is, make sure any surfaces coming
into contact with your skin are smooth.

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Pet Medication Online
For the pet enthusiast who is also a wheeler, you may be
happy to know that you can now buy your pet's medication
online. Before I was able to drive again after my injury, I
relied on my attendants to help me fetch all of my
necessities -- even my pet supplies. Now I buy what I need
online, and have eliminated one task from my lengthy to do
list -- and my order come rights to the door. Hint: If you
don't have a prescription for your pet's meds, have your
vet's name and number handy when you're ready to order.

A Desirable TravelMate
I've recently read about TravelMate, a mobile urinary
device for women. Just six inches long and one inch wide,
it can be used in a car, on a plane, or hiking, etc. To
use, press the reservoir-tipped cradle up against the
urethra, and urinate. (In order to use from a wheelchair,
you must be able to scoot your hips to the farthest edge of
the seat; otherwise, you won't make proper contact with the
device.) TravelMate also works well with those of you who
are able to stand. Various accessories are available to
allow for sanitary containment of bodily fluids.

I'm curious to know if any of you has tried this device, or
know someone who has. If so, I'd love to hear from you!

As Thirsty As A Camel
CamelBak hydrating systems are water bottles designed for
the active or competitive type. I saw my friend Hector at a
conference several weeks ago, and he had one of these
unique water bottles. His sporty looking pouch hung over
the side of his right push-handle. Whenever he wanted a
drink, he leaned a bit and effortlessly steered the straw
to his mouth.

After researching these CamelBak water carriers, I've
learned they keep drinks cold longer, because of the
insulation from their carrying cases. In addition, CamelBak
pouches come in different sizes and shapes, with matching
carrying cases and mounts available. Also, if you have
trouble reaching for your straw, check out the "Tube
Director" -- a pliable, tube-like straw that maintains
whatever shape you give it.

Accessories such as a hands-free hydration mouth piece, and
a system to insulate your tubing is available for those who
live in areas with extreme winters. You can be certain that
this item is going to make my list to Santa!

Be Smart At School
Books are likely to jump around on the laps of school-aged
wheelers -- and everyone attending or teaching school, as
they bump over cracks and curves on their ride to class. Be
smart and invest in a backpack for the back of your
wheelchair. Use your pack to keep your things safe and
organized; doing so will help keep your mind from becoming
cluttered. Besides, the backpack frees up your lap, and
allows for the opportunity for a good friend to come up and
kiss you on the cheek at any time.

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On Star
The On Star system installed in newer vehicles connects you
to a live, highly trained advisor, who's available to
assist you 24 hours a day any time you travel. For American
automobiles equipped with the device, On Star's advisors
are there to assist you with directions, accessing
telephone numbers, booking reservations for hotels and
restaurants; they will even notify authorities in the event
your airbag deploys. Accessing your email and getting stock
quotes is as easy as pushing a button. Many of these
features, such as having an advisor available to dial phone
numbers, are wonderful perks for everybody; but to the
person driving with hand controls, On Star soon becomes
essential.